Summary. Urban greenery constitutes an important architectural element improving esthetic values of the city. It is also a significant factor influencing the environment of the city. Therefore the problem of shaping and tending green areas and their protection ought to be included in cities development plans and the surroundings. Special attention ought to be paid to the role of greenery in shaping the open and urbanized landscape. In cities green areas compete with built-up areas. The aim of the paper was to present the recreational function of green areas in Poznań. Moreover natural resources and sporting and recreational facilities were described. The studies tend to indicate that various recreational activities concentrate not only on closed objects but also are accessible and develop on the areas open to the public.